SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield History Museum will temporarily close to the public from Jan. 1 through July 10, 2026 to support a major collections care initiative. During this time, staff and volunteers will focus on processing, conserving, and organizing thousands of historical artifacts to ensure their long-term preservation.
The Museum is home to more than 11,000 objects related to the history of Springfield and rural east Lane County. These items, from photographs and letters to tools, textiles, and more, are used in exhibits, programs, and research to help connect residents and visitors with the region’s past.
“Focusing our work on caring for these precious artifacts is truly in the public’s interest,” said Maddi McGraw, Museum Curator. “If we lose these objects through neglect, we lose the story of our community.”
This behind-the-scenes work requires significant time, space, and attention. The closure will allow staff and trained volunteers to dedicate themselves fully to inventory, conservation, and exhibition planning.
The Museum will reopen to the public on July 12, 2026, just in time for the Downtown Second Friday Art Walk. The reopening will feature a brand-new exhibit and a remodeled rotating gallery space.
While the Museum is closed, you can still access the online catalog to explore nearly 7,000 digitized records at wheremindsgrow.org/history_museum/online_catalog.
You can also volunteer or learn by reaching out to Maddi McGraw at 541-726-3677 or [email protected].
